Canal Satellite Takes Next Interactive Step

French satellite pay-TV operator Canal Satellite has stepped up its interactive plans by launching what it claims to be France’s first totally interactive channel – 1,2,3 Sat.TV.

The new event channel will be devoted to chat and other interactive programming. Viewers will be able to react via short messaging service (SMS) or interactive voice server. It will also be possible to download content onto a cell phone. The channel is being launched in partnership with 1,2,3 Multimedia and Universal Music For Mobile.

In announcing the new channel, Canal Satellite is aiming to put pressure on satellite pay-TV rival TPS. Canal Satellite has around two million subscribers in France.